A tiny crochet broom can instantly turn an ordinary pencil into something unforgettable. These standing broom pencil toppers combine playful design with everyday usefulness, adding a whimsical touch to pens, pencils, and desk displays.
Their compact size and charming details make each handmade piece both decorative and practical. They are especially fun for seasonal decorating, classroom supplies, or thoughtful handmade gifts.
Creative desk accessories always make everyday tasks more enjoyable, and these crochet broom toppers do exactly that. You can customize the finished piece with different colors and handle styles to match your favorite theme or holiday. It also makes a delightful handmade item for teacher gifts, party favors, or stationery collections. With its cheerful look and practical use, this crochet piece adds a little extra magic wherever it sits.
Credit Karen's Crochet Channel
Materials & Tools Needed
- Yarn:
- Color A (Handle): DK yarn (e.g., Pink, Lilac).
- Color B (Bristles): DK yarn (e.g., Pale Beige, Buff, Straw Color).
- Crochet Hook: 4.0 mm.
- Insert: Standard Bic pen or wooden pencil.
- Notions: Tapestry/darning needle and scissors.
Finished Size & Customization Ideas
Pen Version:
- 20 rounds long (fits a standard Bic pen).
Pencil Version:
- 26 rounds long (fits a standard wooden pencil).
Customization Ideas
- Use as Halloween treats, teacher gifts, or party favors.
- Leave hollow for flexibility.
- Lightly stuff with fiberfill for soft play.
Pattern Note
Construction:
- The handle is worked in spiral rounds.
- Bristles are attached directly to the final round of the handle.
Bristles:
- Made by using both the front and back loops of the last round of the handle.
- Each bristle consists of 12 strands.
Yarn Tail:
- For easier finishing, pull the starting tail out through the exterior of the magic circle.
Abbreviations
(Pattern in US terms; UK equivalents provided)
- ch: Chain
- sc: Single Crochet
- dc: Double Crochet
- sl st: Slip Stitch
- FL: Front Loop
- BL: Back Loop
- st(s): Stitch(es)
- MR: Magic Ring / Magic Circle
Tips Before Starting
- Loop Openings: Keep the last handle stitch loop loose for easier bristle attachment.
- Insert Core Early: Place the pen or pencil inside the tube before back-stitching the base to avoid tightening it too much.
- If the broom doesn't stand upright, stretch the handle yarn and flatten the bristle base for balance.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Broom Handle (Using Color A)
Round 1:
- Create a Magic Ring (MR). (Alternatively, chain 2, and work into the 1st chain.)
- Work 6 single crochets (sc) into the ring.
- Pull the loose tail of the Magic Ring to close the ring. (You should now have 6 stitches total in the round.)
(6 stitches total)
Round 2:
- Continue working in a spiral.
- Make 1 sc in each stitch around. (Still 6 stitches in total.)
(6 stitches total)
Tip: As the work begins to curl into a tube, fold the piece so that the right side (RS) is facing outward.
Rounds 3–20 (for Pen) or Rounds 3–26 (for Pencil):
- Work 1 sc in each stitch around for all rounds. (Each round will still have 6 stitches.)
(6 stitches each round)
Finish the Handle:
- Fasten off and leave a loose tail. Do not weave in the tail yet.
2. Broom Bristles (Using Color B)
Attach New Yarn:
- Using Color B, attach the yarn to the front loop (FL) of the stitch nearest to the end of the handle.
Create Bristle:
For each bristle:
- Join the yarn with a slip stitch (sl st) in the target loop.
- Chain 6 (ch 6).
- Skip the 1st chain (nearest the hook), then sl st down the remaining 5 chains.
(1 bristle complete)
Bristle Placement:
- Alternate front loop (FL) and back loop (BL) around the last row of the broom handle.
- Each stitch in the last round (6 stitches total) will have 2 bristles (1 in FL + 1 in BL).
- Example: Place a bristle in the FL of the first stitch, then in the BL of the same stitch.
- Repeat for all 6 stitches around the handle.
(12 total bristles)
End with sl st through both loops of starting stitch. Fasten off, leaving a long sewing tail.
Final Assembly
- Insert the pen/pencil into the handle—end must touch the bristle base.
- Tie a secure knot at the base with Color A and B yarn tails.
- Use the tail of Color B and a tapestry needle to sew back-stitches around the bristle base, securing it snugly around the pen/pencil.
- Tidy up: Weave in ends, trim excess yarn, and flatten the bristle base so the broom stands upright.
Congratulations!
Your creative Standing Broom Pencil Topper is complete!
Perfect for seasonal gifts and whimsical writing accessories!
